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  Media services window configuration systemUSPTO Application #: 20060059525Title: Media services window configuration system Abstract: The invention may be viewed as a method for providing a user with information received by an interactive media services client device from a programmable media services server device. The method includes storing visual setting data in memory so that a plurality of applications can use the visual setting data to determine the appearance of items presented to the user. (end of abstract) Agent: Scientific-atlanta, Inc. Intellectual Property Department - Lawrenceville, GA, US Inventors: Dean F. Jerding, Arturo A. Rodriguez, Robert O. Banker USPTO Applicaton #: 20060059525 - Class: 725087000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Interactive Video Distribution Systems, User-requested Video Program System, Video-on-demand The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060059525. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of Application No. 9/590,488, filed on Jun. 9, 2000, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/170,302, filed on Dec. 13, 1999, both of which are entirely incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates in general to television systems, and more particularly, to the fields of media-on-demand and interactive media guides. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] With the recent advances in digital transmission technology, cable television systems are now capable of providing much more than the traditional analog broadcast video. In implementing enhanced programming, the home communication terminal ("HCT"), otherwise known as the settop box, has become an important computing device for accessing video services and navigating a subscriber through a maze of available services. In addition to supporting traditional analog broadcast video functionality, digital HCTs (or "DHCTs") now also support an increasing number of two-way digital services such as video-on-demand. [0004] Typically, a DHCT is connected to a cable or satellite television network and includes hardware and software necessary to provide the functionality of the digital television system at the client's site. Preferably, some of the software executed by a DHCT is downloaded and/or updated via the cable television network. Each DHCT also typically includes a processor, communication components and memory, and is connected to a television or other display device, such as a personal computer. While many conventional DHCTs are stand-alone devices that are externally connected to a television, a DHCT and/or its functionality may be integrated into a television or personal computer, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. [0005] DHCTs today are capable of providing users with several services including video-on-demand and interactive media guides. Applications running on a DHCT are often created by separate companies, and thus, a graphical user interface (GUI) presented by one application may be significantly different from one presented by another application. As a result users may feel uncomfortable using certain services available via a DHCT and may even become confused as to the meanings associated with different colors and/or shapes. Therefore, there exists a need to make using a DHCT less intimidating and confusing. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] The invention may be viewed as a method for providing a user with information received by an interactive media services client device from a programmable media services server device. The method includes storing visual setting data in memory so that a plurality of applications can use the visual setting data to determine the appearance of items presented to the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. [0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a cable television system in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0009] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the headend 11 as depicted in FIG. 1. [0010] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a DHCT and related equipment, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1. [0011] FIG. 4 is a remote control device that can be used to provide user input to the DHCT shown in FIG. 3. [0012] FIG. 5 depicts an example video-on-demand (VOD) rental selection screen that illustrates a media rental list presented to the user by the DHCT of FIG. 3. [0013] FIG. 6 depicts an example browse-by window that is presented to a user after the user activates a certain button on the remote control device depicted in FIG. 4 while being presented with the rental selection window depicted in FIG. 5. [0014] FIG. 7 depicts an example video-on-demand (VOD) rental selection screen that illustrates a category selected from the browse-by menu depicted in FIG. 6. [0015] FIG. 8 depicts an example interactive media guide window that is presented to a user by the DHCT depicted in FIG. 3. [0016] FIG. 9 depicts an example stopped video window that is presented to the user after the user stops the presentation of the video rental that was requested via the rental selection window depicted in FIG. 5. [0017] FIG. 10 depicts example information barker that is presented to the user after the user requests a VOD rental via the rental selection window depicted in FIG. 5, if VOD service is temporarily unavailable. [0018] FIG. 11 depicts example information barker is presented to a user at the end of a rental period for a movie selected via the rental selection window depicted in FIG. 5. [0019] FIG. 12 depicts an example personal identification number (PIN) window that is presented to a user after the user selects a video title from the rental selection window depicted in FIG. 5. Continue reading... Full patent description for Media services window configuration system Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Media services window configuration system patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Media services window configuration system or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Audio and video storage broadcast media system Next Patent Application: Method and system for displaying portions of recorded media content instances Industry Class: Interactive video distribution systems ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Media services window configuration system patent info. 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